October 2014

Cover

In this issue of PLOS Genetics, DiTommaso et al. describe the phenotype of mice carrying inactivating mutations in Keratin 76 (Krt76), highlighting the gene as indispensable for skin barrier function and cutaneous wound healing. They also describe a role for KRT76 in maintaining the function of intercellular tight junctions, where it is required for normal CLAUDIN1 localisation. This work supports an emerging body of evidence which challenges the classical view of the keratins as simple structural proteins. Image: Claudin 1 (green), Ecadherin (red) and keratin 14 (blue) in the tail skin of a mouse. See DiTommaso et al.